Security footage is crucial for safeguarding residences, workplaces, and public spaces. Wireless security camera systems are an essential component of contemporary monitoring, serving a variety of purposes, from gathering evidence to discouraging theft in disputes.

However, deciding whether to store security footage locally or in the cloud is a crucial option that comes up when putting up a surveillance system. There is a wealth of material available, and the argument between them has been going on for years.

In this blog, we, Backstreet Surveillance, will provide you with information on how long stores keep security footage, the advantages and disadvantages of local storage vs. cloud storage, a comparison of them, and hybrid storage. Have a look below:

How Long Do Stores Keep Security Footage?

Before diving into the storage options, it's important to understand the duration of how long do stores keep security footage with them. The type of business, legal restrictions, and storage capacity can all affect how long the footage remains stored. The following are some general guidelines:

  • Retail Stores: Most retail stores keep footage for 30-90 days. This allows the time to review the footage if any incidents occur.

  • Small Businesses: It usually stores footage for about 10–30 days, depending on their storage capabilities.

  • Residential Systems: Home security footage is often stored for 1-2 weeks unless cloud storage is used, which can extend this period.

  • Banks: Due to strict restrictions, banks often keep the footage for about 6 months or even longer.

Factors like motion-detection settings, the resolution of the footage, and the number of cameras impact how long the footage is kept.

What is Cloud Storage for Security Footage?

Businesses can keep their data in the cloud and use a service that makes it easy to access it online from servers located far away.

Using a security camera app, the video is uploaded to the internet and accessible from any location, eliminating the need for physical equipment like hard drives or memory cards.

Cloud storage would eliminate the need for on-premises hardware by enabling organizations to store documents, apps, movies, and photographs.

While choosing cloud storage for security footage, remember its pros and cons for better security.

Pros of Cloud Storage

  • Managed Services: By taking care of servicing, updates, and security patches, cloud providers ease the load on users and guarantee that systems are updated.

  • Scalability: Scalable storage solutions are frequently provided by cloud services, enabling users to quickly expand or contract storage capacity following their requirements.

  • Access Anywhere: Cloud storage allows users to access their data from anywhere with an internet connection, providing flexibility for collaboration and remote work.

  • Automatic Backup: Automated backup solutions are frequently included with cloud storage services, assisting users in protecting their data without the need for human involvement.

  • Environmentally Friendly: By optimizing resource utilization, cloud providers can reduce their environmental impact and perhaps save energy compared to on-site solutions.

Cons of Cloud Storage

  • Security Concerns: Even with strong security procedures in place, cloud providers may still raise privacy and data security concerns. Selecting trustworthy suppliers with robust security measures is crucial.

  • Limited Control: When it comes to security and the physical structures, users have less involvement than with local storage options.

  • Data Transfer Costs: Large data uploads and downloads may result in extra expenses, particularly if the cloud provider collects data transfer fees.

  • Dependence on Internet Connectivity: A dependable Internet connection is necessary for cloud storage. During internet disruptions, data access could be restricted or delayed.

  • Risk of Vendor Lock-In: Cloud provider switching can be difficult and may result in vendor lock-in. Choosing a certain provider requires careful consideration of the long-term effects.

Risks of Cloud Storage Systems

  • Data Security Issues: Keeping data on external servers presents issues with data security and the possibility of theft or illegal access.

  • Legal and Compliance Issues: Resolving legal issues and guaranteeing compliance with data protection laws may present difficulties, depending on where the servers are located.

  • Costs of Data Transfer: Using cloud storage may become more expensive overall if you upload and download large amounts of data.

  • Restricted Control: In contrast to local storage options, users have less direct control over the security protocols and physical infrastructure.

  • Service Outages: Technical problems or maintenance may cause cloud services to go down, which could impact data access.

Best Cloud Storage for Videos

When selecting a cloud storage provider, consider the storage capacity, compatibility, and pricing factors with the security camera system. Some of the top providers include:

  • Google Drive: It is user-friendly and integrated seamlessly with other Google services.

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS): Scalable solutions for businesses with extensive storage needs.

  • Dropbox: Excellent for general storage and video uploads.

What is Local Storage for Security Footage?

Local storage is where users keep data on the company's hardware, including workstations and servers, or in an enterprise-owned data center on-site.

Local storage involves saving security footage directly to physical devices such as DVRs, NVRs, SD Cards, hard drives, or USB drives. Unlike cloud storage, local storage doesn't depend on an internet connection.

While choosing local storage for security footage, remember its pros and cons for better security.

Pros of Cloud Storage

  1. Privacy: By keeping your data on the property, local storage offers you greater privacy and control over who can access the data.

  2. One-time Cost: Local storage solutions often include one-time charges without ongoing membership fees, making them cost-effective in the long run, even though the initial hardware investment may be high.

  3. Control: You have direct control over your data when you store it locally. To protect sensitive data, you can put your encryption protocols, access controls, and security measures into place.

  4. No Dependence on Internet Connectivity: Local storage systems operate independently of Internet availability, ensuring access to data even during network outages.

  5. Performance: Local data access is frequently quicker than remote server data access, particularly for applications that need low-latency access.

Cons of Cloud Storage

  • Scalability Challenges: Compared to cloud options, increasing local storage space could require more expensive and time-consuming hardware changes or purchases.

  • Risk of Data Loss: Risks associated with local storage include fraud, natural disasters, and hardware failures. To reduce these hazards, sufficient redundancy and backup procedures are required.

  • Environmental Impact: When compared to shared equipment in a well-optimized data center, operating servers and storage hardware on-site may have a greater environmental impact.

  • Limited Accessibility: Data access is restricted to the storage device's physical location. Additional infrastructure, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), may be needed for remote access.

  • Maintenance Responsibilities: Hardware component maintenance, upgrades, and replacement are the responsibility of the user and can be time-consuming and technically complex.

Risks of Local Storage Systems

  • Hardware Failure: Data loss may result from local storage's reliance on physical components like hard drives, which can malfunction over time.

  • Natural Disasters: On-premises local storage systems are at risk from natural disasters like earthquakes, fires, and floods, which could result in the loss of all data.

  • Scalability Issues: Increasing local storage can lead to large initial expenditures and hardware modifications, which reduces scalability options.

  • Data Fraud or Loss: Sensitive information may be in danger if local storage devices are taken or compromised.

  • Restricted Accessibility: Data access is restricted to the storage device's physical location, which can present difficulties for disaster recovery or remote work.

Cloud Storage vs Local Storage Comparison

Factors

Local Storage 

Cloud Storage

Accessibility

Access is limited to the physical location of the storage devices. 

You can access your videos from anywhere with an internet connection. 

Maintenance

It requires regular maintenance, potential hardware, and updates. 

Maintenance tasks are typically handled by the service provider, which reduces the burden on the user. 

Data Ownership and Control

You have direct control over your usage and data. 

Your data is stored on the servers that are managed by the service providers. 

Security

It offers direct control over security measures. 

Reputable cloud providers invest heavily in security measures, including redundancy and encryption. 

Regularly Compliance

It can provide direct control over compliance with data protection. 

Verify that the cloud service complies with relevant regulations and industry standards. 

Cost

Upfront costs for local storage solutions may be higher as you need to purchase hardware. 

Cloud storage typically involves ongoing subscription fees, but it removes the need for significant upfront hardware costs. 

Scalability

The storage needs to grow, so you need to upgrade hardware. It can be less flexible and more time-consuming. 

Cloud services usually offer scalability, which allows you to easily upgrade or downgrade the storage capacity based on your needs. 

Internet Dependence 

It works without relying on internet connectivity, so you may watch your videos even when there is a network interruption.

Need access via a reliable internet connection. You might not be able to post or retrieve videos if you don't have internet connectivity.

Hybrid Storage: the Best of Both Worlds?

For those who can't decide between cloud storage vs local storage, a hybrid approach may be ideal for you. These hybrid systems store the security footage locally while simultaneously uploading the critical data to the cloud. This ensures redundancy and maximizes accessibility.

Read Also: Understanding NVR (Network Video Recorder) vs. DVR (Digital Video Recorder)

Conclusion

Selecting between cloud storage vs. local storage depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. By knowing their pros and cons, you can select between them and also keep in mind the risks of each security footage to prevent your data. 

If accessibility and scalability are your priorities, then go for cloud storage, whereas if you want to invest one-time and value data control, local storage might be an option. For those who can't decide between both, then you can go for the hybrid approach. 

If this blog helps you with the queries, you can easily select between cloud storage vs. local storage and protect your home and businesses. 

FAQs

  • Which cloud storage option is best for videos?

For storing security videos, services like Nest Aware, Dropbox, and Google Drive are great choices.

  • Is it safe to store private security footage on the cloud?

Reputable services protect your film with encryption and other security precautions.

  • Are wireless security cameras compatible with local storage?

Yes, a lot of wireless cameras allow local storage through SD cards or other linked devices, such as DVRs.

  • Do security cameras have free cloud storage options?

Limited free storage is provided by certain providers; however, it might not be enough for frequent use.

  • How can I view cloud-stored security footage?

To view your footage remotely, use a web platform or app that is compatible with security cameras.